Retro paper plates, napkins, placemats, cups and more — all affordable and all disposable — were new and popular in the 60s (especially for parties and entertaining). Here’s a look back at some of the retro paper products & patterns available then!
Retro disposable party decor: Paper with throw-away chic
We propose paper, Madame Chairwoman, when the committee comes to lunch in your garden.
Set out the tables under huge oiled-paper parasols from Japan; ours are dotted to match plates, napkins, and other accessories.
Toss a salad of giant paper tomatoes instead of a centerpiece — we suggest a bright enamel colander as a container.
Keep your guests comfortable — and amused — with gold paper lorgnettes. For smokers, keep a big supply of pretty matches and disposable foil ashtrays.
And there’s nothing quite like paper for a late snack after a long evening of television or at the movies.
The checkerboard paper makes a perfect tablecloth, we can also see it on the card table, especially if yours is placed on the porch.
Plates, cups, and napkins, in His and Her sizes, are color-coordinated. So is that huge paper daisy.
DON’T MISS:
Pack lunches (or dinners) in red paper boxes for a party by the pool. We like nautical red, white, and blue theme (see our upside-down setting, including white plastic cutlery and pop art flag matches).
ALSO SEE: See 60 vintage patio furniture sets that offered outdoor relaxation the old-fashioned way
Be prepared for seconds and desserts with a batch of baby boxes.
To personalize each serving, a toy boat place card sails on every box. They’re all disposable when the party’s over.
Retro disposable paper plates
It’s a rainy summer afternoon and your house is bulging with restless children.
Throw an impromptu party, paper style. Fill shiny paper bags full of various papers and run a cutting-out contest… first prize for most creative effort.
Scissors should be blunt; ours are plastic. The table decorations: a paper village, folder paper trees on chopstick trunks in paper cups filled with sand, stylized houses, and enamel funnel trumpets.
Dine on paper — and serve breakfast, brunch, and buffets on it too. But don’t do it tentatively or timidly. Pick positive patterns — courageous colors. Not ones that pretend to be something they’re not, namely china or pottery.
Notice how we combine plain plates (in the boldest colors we could find) with striking patterns in napkins and mats. And how we play pattern against pattern in other settings.
Of course, there’s a time and a place even for paper. It’s appropriate for informal meals, informal occasions, informal settings. And this new flair for paper is designed to free you for summer’s more important pursuits.
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Retro disposable paper napkins
For hurry-up-and-let’s-go-to-the-beach breakfasts, paper is bright as a summer morning and twice as practical.
There’s a striped runner, or if you prefer a whole cloth, all you do is unfold it — plus flowered mats and coasters for under the orange juice glasses. All in the sunniest, cheeriest colors. For fun, pile tissue-paper eggs in a basket.
Vintage paper placemats: Lovely as cloth for entertaining
Cushioned to insulate and protect against scratches. A variety of colors to coordinate with Scott Family napkins.
ALSO SEE: 40 vintage centerpiece ideas: Table decor from yesteryear
Disposable paper placemats: Elegant as linen for company
Beautiful new designs to complement every decor (1960s)
TV tray table paper placemats
Great for informal snacks with new Scott cups. Always fresh and handy for drop-in guests, TV trays. Use ’em, enjoy ’em and toss ’em away.
The first cushioned paper placemat
Made of three quilted thickness of absorbent paper for protection and strength. Drinks up spills!
Roylies lace paper doilies & Roylprint printed paper place mats
It’s the little touches of elegance that say the nicest things about you. Cost? Mere pennies with Roylace!
Elegance in home decorating is back — and with it a greater accent on gracious entertaining.
Is it expensive? Heavens, no! With Roylace paper doilies and place mats, you can add the perfect little touches that express your fine taste. your thoughtful attention to detail. And for pennies!
See for yourself how easy it is to create unusual decorating effects and beautiful serving ideas — like those illustrated — with nothing but Roylace and your imagination!
Vintage paper placemats: Blue stripes
MORE: 112+ beautiful vintage ’70s table setting ideas
The most practical placemat ever for kids
Drinks up spills. Just use ’em and toss ’em away. New Scott plastic cups are great for youngsters, too.
Scott Family Placemats: Thrifty enough for everyday use (1964)
This new kind of paper placemat is perfect for family meals. Always fresh and handy for “drop in” guests
CHECK THIS OUT: 21 bad vintage product names you wouldn’t see today
